ENT - How to use Steroid Nasal Spray

Please read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.

This will give you a step-by-step guide of how to use the spray. It will also provide you with a full list of common side-effects and important information. Speak to your pharmacist for advice or if you’re not sure.

When you first start using a nasal spray, it is usual to use two sprays into both nostrils twice a day. Once your symptoms are controlled, you may be able to reduce this to just one spray into each nostril twice a day. Do not use more than 4 sprays per nostril in 24 hours.

Treatment with beclometasone nasal spray can be continued for up to three months. Speak to your pharmacist for advice or if you’re not sure.

How to use it

Before you use the spray for the first time, point the spray away from your face and activate it a few times until you can see a fine mist in the air.

1. Blow your nose gently to clear it
2. Shake the bottle and remove the protective cap
3. Close one nostril by placing a finger gently against one side of your nose
4. Tilt your head forwards slightly and insert the nozzle of the spray. Aim towards the ear on the same side keeping the bottle upright
5. Breathe in through your nose and push down on the collar of the nozzle to administer one spray
6. Breathe out through your mouth. Repeat steps 4-6 if you are using two sprays for each dose
7. Repeat the process in your other nostril if you need it.

Wipe the nozzle with a clean tissue and replace the cap. If the nozzle becomes blocked, remove and rinse under warm water.

Getting the most from your treatment

Do not spray towards the middle of the nose (septum). This can cause irritation to the lining in this part and may stimulate a nosebleed. It also means the medicine is not being delivered effectively to the area of most need.

Sniffing hard rather than breathing in through your nose will draw the medicine into the throat which will reduce the effectiveness and may give an unpleasant taste.

Nasal sprays often take several weeks of regular use to be effective. (This can be up to 6-8 weeks). They can be used for up to three months for chronic symptoms. Use the spray regularly, even if your symptoms are controlled.

If you are using the spray for hay fever, it may help to start using it 2-3 weeks before the hay fever season starts. This is because it takes a few days of treatment before you feel the full effect, so starting before the pollen count rises will help prevent symptoms from developing.

If your symptoms get worse after reducing your dose, you may want to increase it again.

Decongestant nasal sprays

If you use a nasal decongestant spray, such as xylometazoline (e.g. Otrivine®) or pseudoephedrine (e.g. Sudafed®), it is important you do not use this for more than 5-7 days.

Nasal decongestant sprays used for long periods of time or regular use, are likely to cause rebound, severe congestion of the nose. They can also cause more severe irreversible damage to the inside of your nose. Always follow the instructions on the patient information leaflet.

Speak to your pharmacist for advice or if you are unsure.

Further information can be found at NHS website or dial 111 for any emergency concerns.